Reynald Ricard, one of the founders and owners of Red Market Miami Salon, takes a few minutes of out his busy schedule to answer a few questions.

Interviewer: So, how did the concept of Red Market Salon originate?Reynald Ricard: We used to have a salon near Pastis, in the meatpacking district. We were so busy after three months, working from seven pm until very late. Soon, we decided to move to a bigger space. Our time in the meat-packing district was a good experience, we used to have wine and hang out, but we moved because the neighborhood changed. Our first idea was to be in the meatpacking area, so that was a very special experience for our first salon.

Interviewer: Where in France are you from?Reynald Ricard: From Eastern France. It’s about two hours from Paris, and I grew up all over France.

The Early Days

Interviewer: How old were you when you first decided you wanted to be a hair stylist?
Reynald Ricard: I wanted to be a hair stylist starting when I was seven or eight years old. I used to watch my mom in the salon and she was best friends with the owner there. My father was a general in the army, and very different from her. She was a mentor, and he was supportive. I went to school to learn how to style hair when I was 16 or 17. It was what I always wanted to do. For two years I lived in different cities because of my father’s job. It opened my mind to new places and diverse realities of life.

Interviewer: Who was your first hair model?Reynald Ricard: In France, I would style my mom, she was my model. It was an amazing experience.

Interviewer: Now that you live in NYC, where do you spend most of your time?Reynald Ricard: I live in Noho, but I spend most of my time in Soho.

Interviewer: What is your favorite destination?Reynald Ricard: On the weekend I go to my house in upstate New York. It’s beautiful, my family loves it.

Interviewer: So, you are a family man?Reynald Ricard: Yes, I have a daughter. She is four years old.

Interviewer: How would you define happiness?Reynald Ricard: Family is happiness!

Interviewer: What makes you passionate about the world of hair and beauty?Reynald Ricard: I like the transformation, and I like to see the smile of my clients. It’s important to do a good haircut or a nice color because people get so happy from it. If you lose sight of the happiness of the client, if you work too much, it’s bad. So the happiness of the client is very important.

Interviewer: What is your definition of beauty?Reynald Ricard: Natural is beauty.

Interviewer: Can you describe your morning routine, and how you get ready for the day?Reynald Ricard: My daughter wakes me up around 6:30am, and then I go for a run. Two days a week I start work at 9am. I also have barbershops where I work on Greenwich Avenue. So I have very busy mornings, always on the floor. I also have twenty people in Miami working at Red Market Miami. So I am busy!

Interviewer: Did you experience any hardships in being in the hair styling business? And if so, what was that like?Reynald Ricard: It’s tough every day to have business structure. There are many challenges, especially in New York. It’s always moving and things can be difficult sometimes, but you get through that, and you learn and manage.

Interviewer: What are your hopes for the future? Where do you see Red Market in 5 years?Reynald Ricard: We already have two salons—one in New York one in Miami. I plan to open something in East Hampton. Candy Udell [of London Jewelers] has been asking me to open something there for years, so we are planning for opening there too.

Interviewer: Lastly, who inspires you most?Reynald Ricard: My parents are my idols. I hope to be that for my little girl.